Change Your Mind, Change Your Life – Romans 12

I love Romans 12 because there is so much that we can apply to our everyday lives.

12:1 Be a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice to God.

12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” NKJV. So much has been written and preached about this verse. Don’t agree with everything in society. Change your mind so you can change your life and live in a way that pleases God.

12:3 Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest with yourself about yourself.

12:4 Everyone has value and something to contribute.

12:5 We all are a part of each other.

12:6-8 Use your gifts and talents to serve God.

12:9-10 Really love people.

12:11 Work hard.

12:11 Don’t be lazy.

12:11 Serve with gladness.

12:12 Be patient in trouble.

12:12 Keep praying in times of trouble.

12:13 Help those in need.

12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Pray that God will bless them. OUCH!!! That’s REALLY hard. I have to make that a goal for myself.

12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” NKJV

12:16 “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” NLT

12:17 “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.” NLT

12:18 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” NLT

12:19 “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” NLT

12:20 If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” NLT

12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV

The First Step To A Downfall – Esther 3

3:1-5 Pride makes you think you are better than others and should be treated better than others. It’s the first step to a downfall. Pride makes you vulnerable to attack because you allow yourself to be deceived about who you are.
3:5-15 Anger is dangerous because it causes damage to people and things.
3:8-15 When you are in a leadership position, you must be very discerning and look at a situation from all angles.
3:8-15 Be fair when making decisions.
3:8-15 Don’t just take what people tell you at face value, especially when they’re speaking negatively about others.

Covenant Of Love – Nehemiah 9

When you sin:
9:1 Fast.
9:2 Spend some time alone, reflecting.
9:2 Confess your sins to God.
9:3 Study God’s word.
9:5 Praise God.

9:6 “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” NIV

9:8 God keeps His promises.

9:7-38 The lives of Abraham and Moses are recounted.

9:17 “They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore, you did not desert them.” NIV

9:19 God is faithful.

9:20-21 God provides.

9:22-25 God blesses us.

9:30-31 God is patient and merciful.

9:32 God is great, mighty, awesome. He keeps His covenant of love.

9:33 God is righteous and faithful, even when we’re not.

9:36-37 When we sin, we open ourselves up to being controlled by others.